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Larson, Esty, Reed Introduce Resolution to Designate October 8 as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day

October 5, 2018

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Congressman John Larson (CT-1), Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), and Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23) introduced H.Res.1115, which would express support for designating October 8, 2018 as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day. The date October 8 was chosen because it is symbolic of the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008).

Connecticut’s hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain employs 2,834 workers and contributes over $600.8 million in revenue and investment to the regional economy. Hydrogen is a nontoxic gas that can be derived from a variety of traditional and renewable resources, including solar, wind, biogas, and natural gas. The United States produces and uses more than 11,000,000 metric tons of hydrogen per year.

“As the co-chair of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, I am proud to join with Congresswoman Esty in introducing a resolution marking October 8th as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day. Fuel Cells use our atmosphere’s most abundant element, hydrogen to create clean energy. Connecticut is the Fuel Cell Capital and the industry supports thousands of jobs in our state,” said Larson. “Every day we are seeing the effects of climate change, and supporting advanced energy technologies like fuel cells are the way to move us forward.”

“On October 8, we recognize the pivotal role the hydrogen and fuel cell industry plays in developing technology that is good for our environment and our economy, while supporting long-term economic growth in our state,” said Esty,a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “Connecticut is a world leader in hydrogen and fuel cell energy systems manufacturing, and we need to invest in these technologies that have poised us to get to this point. With the rising threat of climate change, it is important now more than ever that we develop clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources."

“Hydrogen and fuel cell technology is critical in guaranteeing our children and grandchildren have a fair shot at a clean and vibrant environment. We care about working to promote alternative and renewable energy sources through our tax code, and will continue to do so, in order to safeguard our environment, protect our national interests and create jobs,” said Reed.

“FuelCell Energy is proud of the support from our Connecticut legislative leaders, providing a platform to raise awareness of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies,” said Chip Bottone, FuelCell Energy President and CEO. “Fuel Cells provide reliable and resilient power, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve America’s energy security. FuelCell Energy’s global fleet of SureSource™ fuel cell power plants, made in America, leads the industry with over 8 million megawatts of ultra-clean power produced, meeting the needs of customers across several industries, including utility companies, municipalities, universities, government entities and a variety of industrial and commercial enterprises.”

“The fuel cell and hydrogen industry is extremely grateful for all of the work Representatives Esty have done to help advance this clean, reliable power generation technology. As we celebrate National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, we look forward to the coming years as the American people experience more economic, environmental, and national security benefits of this transformational technology,” said Morry Markowitz, President of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association.

The United States, which is a world leader in the development and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, relies on the technology to for several of its space programs, including the historic mission of landing a man on the Moon. Increasingly, more municipalities, private industries, colleges and universities, and laboratories are relying on improving fuel cell and hydrogen technologies to address the most pressing energy, environmental, and economic issues across the country.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the Senate companion, S.Res.664, on October 1, 2018, where it passed with unanimous consent.